FBN Holding Plc has posted a gross earnings of N439.2billion in its nine months operations, against N417.4billion achieved in the corresponding period in 2016.

Specifically, the Bank’s unaudited result for the third quarter (Q3) ended September 30, 2017, showed a 5.2 per cent rise in gross earnings from N417.4billion to N439.2billion.

According to a statement by the Bank, the growth in gross earnings was driven largely by a 27.8 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) growth in interest income. This was partly offset by a 43.5 per cent y-o-y decline in non-interest income. Interest income and non-interest income contributed 81.3 per cent and 18.7 per cent respectively. The growth in interest income to gross earnings was driven by increased investment in securities.

However, profit before tax declined by 3.5 per cent, from N57.5billion recorded in 2016 to N55.4billion during the period under review. Profit after tax stood at N45.8 billion, 7.8 per cent rise when compared to N42.5billion posted in 2016.

On the contrary, the Bank’s net interest income rose from N202.9billion to N254.3billion, an increase of 25.3 per cent. This was driven by a 27.8 per cent y-o-y increase in interest income to N356.1 billion (Sept 2016: N278.6billion), and by improved yields on interest earning assets and continuous optimisation of the loan book.

However, these achievements were partly offset by a 34.4 per cent y-o-y increase in interest expense to N101.7billion (Sept 2016: N75.7billion) resulting from the high interest rate environment.

The bank’s operating expenses increased by 8.4 per cent y-o-y to N175.3 billion (Sept 2016: N161.8billion) but remain below the headline inflation rate of 15.9 per cent. The increase is as a result of the general inflationary environment and the impact of currency devaluation, which were partly offset by a decline in personnel expenses, as we continue our efforts to improve productivity, optimise cost and increase operational efficiency.

Its cost of funds also rose to 3.5 per cent (Sept 2016: 2.7 per cent), mainly on the back of the high interest rate environment and the impact of the MPR-indexed pricing on our savings deposits. “Notwithstanding, the Group continued to optimise its balance sheet and achieved stronger blended yield on interest earning assets of 12.3 per cent (Sept 2015: 10.2 per cent). Consequently, net-interest margin increased to 8.8 per cent from 7.5 per cent in prior period.”

“The Insurance group sustained its strong performance and we expect to see further growth from the retail, corporate and annuity businesses. Similarly, we continue to see strong growth trajectory in the Merchant Banking and Asset Management group. These businesses complement our commercial banking business in our aspiration to becoming the leading financial services institution in Middle Africa.

He added: “We remain confident that the initiatives being implemented across our subsidiaries will further strengthen our business and ultimately reposition the Group for sustainable growth.”